Point of diminishing returns for a Network Streamers?


You have super cheap Pi streamers (build yourself), $399 IfI Zen, $500 Bluesound Node (no DSD), $700+ Pro-Ject Stream box, then $1k -$2k for Lumins, and others.

I'm running an old iMac as my Roon Core and running a super long, active USB cable to my Dac. I probably do not have to pay much for any improvement since my setup is not ideal. 

I'm really fascinated by the Pro-Ject stream box...however...would it be a major improvement over the IFI Zen? I need DSD so the NODE is out of the question .

I could save and go with the new Lumin U2 mini, however....would it be a huge jump over the Pro-Ject?

aberyclark

@lalitk I was commenting within the context of the original post. Perhaps I should have clarified. And yes there are units out there that excel at streaming while running as roon core. Without a doubt.

I had a Lumin U1 Mini, got curious and built a Ropieee pi4 with pi2AES HAT into same DAC. after about two weeks I felt something was missing... switched back to Lumin and things were back to better. 

They were close, but I could definitely tell something wasn't right, and feel the extra dough was enough to make me stick with Lumin. 

@kray isn't Lumin U1 mini just a streamer? meaning it doesn't have an onboard DAC.. like it's digital bits right?